Prof Dietmar Holm was appointed Deputy Dean: Teaching and Learning in the Faculty of Veterinary Science with effect from 1 June 2016.

Prof Holm was raised in Hartbeespoort and qualified as a veterinarian at the University of Pretoria in 1998. After five years in private practice, he returned to Onderstepoort in 2003 for an academic career in production animal medicine, first as a clinical assistant, and progressing through the ranks to become associate professor in 2013. He obtained his MSc in Veterinary Science cum laude in 2006 and his PhD in 2014, after which he registered with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) as a specialist in bovine herd health. He was awarded full academic colours by the University of Pretoria in 2006 and 2014, and received a laureate award for education innovation in 2008.

After his appointment, Prof Holm said: 'When I began my career as a mixed-practice veterinarian, the last thing I imagined was that I would be honoured with the appointment of Deputy Dean for Teaching and Learning some 18 years later. An honour, indeed, but also an opportunity to make a contribution to the veterinary profession and to South Africa that will hopefully last much longer than the appointment itself. As veterinarians and veterinary para-professionals from a wide scope of professions, we have one thing in common: a passion for animals. As educators and academics, we also share the common goal of leaving something behind that will have a positive effect on people to follow. We sometimes differ in our opinions on how to achieve the best for our animals, our professions and our country, but we must guard against letting these differences prevent us from achieving our common goals. Teaching and learning remain at the core of the business of the University of Pretoria, and achieving better veterinary teaching and better learning at our Faculty will be my primary focus for the next few years. I thank the Faculty and professions for the vote of confidence and trust that I will be able to count on further support in reaching our goals.'

Prof Holm has served as moderator, examiner and examination officer for the SAVC's registration examinations for veterinarians with foreign qualifications, and played a major role in the development of the 2016 BVSc curriculum. He is the former president and current financial director of the Ruminant Veterinary Association of South Africa, is a member of the South African Veterinary Association and the South African Veterinary Semen and Embryo Group, and serves on the technical committee of the Nguni project of the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Prof Holm has supervised a number of master's and doctoral students, published in peer-reviewed journals and presented numerous papers at local and international congresses.